New heights for Grabowska (Utah State)

[Bubba PV]

http://hjnews.townnews.com/articles/200 ... -18-09.txt

New heights for Grabowska

Sonia Grabowska celebrates after breaking the school and facility record in the pole vault at Saturday's meet. Grabowska cleared the bar at 13-9.50 (4.20m).

By Jason Turner
Published:
Sunday, January 18, 2009 1:57 AM CST
Just one week into the indoor track and field season, and it’s already been a huge success for Utah State pole vaulter Sonia Grabowska.

The sophomore undoubtedly turned some heads at the Wilson Motor Invitational Saturday at the Nelson Fieldhouse, clearing 13 feet, 9.25 inches.

Not only is that a Fieldhouse and school record, it automatically qualifies Grabowska for the NCAA Indoor Championships, March 12-14 in College Station, Texas. The old meet and Aggie record was held by former Logan High standout Kat Duhadway, who vaulted 13-0.25 in 2006.

“I can’t believe this still,” said Grabowska, who is currently ranked second in the event in her native Poland. “It’s just so amazing. I wouldn’t even expect to make (that mark) today. I’m just so glad because its the first meet, so now I can focus on practice and preparing for (nationals), and I can just have fun.”

As well as Grabowska did, she was one of several Aggies to shine in their lone home meet of the indoor campaign. The Utah women, both Utah Valley University squads and a few select competitors from Weber State were also at the invite.

“Obviously Sonia, you know stadium record, school record, NCAA automatic qualifying, all of that stuff is a big deal,” USU head coach Gregg Gensel said. “And so I’m excited for her, but it kind of set the tone for the meet.”

It sure seemed to. After Grabowska’s huge accomplishment, USU had more than its fare share of athletes do some good things.

The Aggie women were especially solid Saturday, winning seven individual events. In addition to Grabowska, Ashlee Cannon nearly set a new USU standard in her specialty event.

[VaultNinja]

She had some pretty ugly jumps earlier in the day, but that one was clean, and huge. She had plenty of room to spare and is capable of much greater heights.

[zofffja]

Have you seen those jumps before 4.20m clearance?

[VaultNinja]

Have you seen those jumps before 4.20m clearance?

Yeah I saw all her jumps that day. The clearance at 420 was the first won that she actually lined up the pole. And it was a big one. The jumps before that looked more like she was just kind of falling off the top of a pretty good size pole for her. And at 420 she realized she actually had to do some work on top of the pole. Either way, she's looking good. I'm curious to see what she will do this season.

[zofffja]

nice, i'm excited to see her at nationals, cause i think she's the first one who made auto mark, isn't she? where is she from? do you know?

[VaultNinja]

She is from Poland